About Metal Building Colors

While the vast majority of buildings are today made using traditional building materials like wood, siding and brick, some developers turn to metal-building manufacturers instead. Metal buildings are a quick and affordable alternative to edifices erected through other construction methods. They are made of steel panels that are pre-finished at the factory then assembled on the project site. The steel panels come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and are also available unfinished when required. They are used for industrial or storage needs, but may also be used for office space or other uses.

History

Metal buildings were first used during the early 20th century. They were marketed as quick to install and an affordable alternative to more traditional building methods. Early models were made of basic steel and tin components. World War II led to steel shortages that temporarily curtailed the metal-building industry, but after the war was over, metal buildings came back to prominence. While the first models were available only in basic gray, today's metal buildings come in a large variety of factory finished color selections. Nearly any custom color can be manufactured to match any architect's vision.

Features

Metal buildings feature steel panels, roofing and structural components that are shipped loose to the job site and assembled there. The steel is generally galvanized to allow it to withstand the elements, and is typically pre-finished at the factory with a powder-coated color selection. The color is chosen by the owner or architect from the manufacturer's standard range, which can consist of anywhere from half a dozen to hundreds of colors. If none of the standard colors is desirable for a specific project, the manufacturer will generally create a custom color sample to meet the needs of the project.

Types

While most metal buildings used today are pre-finished at the factory, unfinished models are also available. These unfinished models can be painted in the field after installation. This is generally less desirable than using the pre-finished variety because the pre-finish helps extend the life of the panel by protecting it from rain, wind, snow and ice. Contractors who choose field finishing generally do so to take advantage of the associated savings in cost or time.

Time Frame

Maintaining a project schedule has always been one of the most pressing concerns in the construction industry. To keep the schedule on track, contractors and project managers will pay specific attention to the lead time associated with obtaining a particular material. Because many of them are custom-made, metal building panels and components often have an extremely long lead time: often 3 months or longer. Most manufacturers will offer a small range of standard colors for their metal buildings that are available quicker than a larger variety of custom colors. While most manufacturers can match any custom color desired, many contractors choose from the standard color range to ensure compliance with the project schedule.

Considerations

Metal buildings come in a variety of gauges, though 24 to 29 are the standards. Thicker gauges may be required for heavy-duty or industrial applications, while lighter gauges are generally used for offices and light storage, or in areas where snow load is not a concern. Many manufacturers will offer only specific colors in each gauge. Very thin or thick gauges may only be available in a limited variety of colors, or may have to be special-ordered if a specific color is required.